Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Smarter Stream TV ("we", "us", "our"), operating at smarterstream.tv, uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides broader information about how we handle your personal data.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) by a website when you visit it. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, remember your preferences, and provide information to website owners about how their site is being used.

In addition to traditional cookies, we also use related tracking technologies including:

• Web Beacons (Pixel Tags): Tiny transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that allow us to track whether a page or email has been opened.
• Local Storage: Browser-based storage mechanisms used to retain session-state information across page navigations.
• Session Storage: Similar to local storage but data is cleared when your browser session ends.
• Fingerprinting: Aggregated, non-identifying device and browser attributes collected for fraud-prevention purposes only.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be disabled in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will then not work.

• Session Cookies: Maintain your session state as you navigate across pages (expires when you close your browser).
• Security Cookies: Protect against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks.
• Cookie Consent Cookie: Records your cookie preference choices so we do not ask again on subsequent visits.
• Load Balancing Cookies: Ensure your requests are directed to the same server within a session for performance stability.

2.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us understand which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors navigate the site. All data collected by these cookies is aggregated and therefore anonymous.

• Google Analytics (_ga, _gid, _gat): Measures traffic, session duration, bounce rate, and page popularity. Data is anonymised and processed under Google's data processing terms.
• Cloudflare Analytics: Aggregated performance metrics and bot-traffic analysis at the CDN edge level — no personal data is stored.
• Hotjar (_hjSession, _hjSessionUser): Where enabled, records anonymised session replays and heatmaps to help us improve page usability. IP addresses are masked before storage.

2.3 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies enable enhanced features and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these features may not function properly.

• Language and Region Preferences: Stores your selected locale to display region-relevant content and pricing.
• Pricing Calculator State: Remembers your last-selected device count and subscription duration on the Pricing page.
• Dismissal State: Records whether you have dismissed banners, popups, or notifications so they are not shown repeatedly.

2.4 Targeting and Marketing Cookies

These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant ads on other sites. They do not store personal information directly but uniquely identify your browser and device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will still see ads but they may be less relevant to you.

• Meta Pixel (Facebook): Tracks conversions and supports retargeting campaigns. Subject to Meta's own privacy policy.
• Google Ads Conversion Tracking: Measures the effectiveness of our Google advertising campaigns by tracking actions taken after clicking an ad.
• Affiliate Tracking Cookies: Where you arrive via an affiliate link, a cookie attributes the visit to enable commission calculation for our affiliate partners.

3. How to Control and Manage Cookies

3.1 Cookie Consent Banner

On your first visit, a cookie consent banner will appear allowing you to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your preferences by category. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer.

3.2 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can choose to block all cookies, accept only first-party cookies, or delete cookies when you close your browser. Note that restricting cookies may affect the functionality of this and many other websites.

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data.
• Mozilla Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data.
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data.
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and data stored.

3.3 Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of specific analytics and advertising cookies using the following tools:

• Google Analytics Opt-Out: Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on.
• Your Online Choices: Visit youronlinechoices.eu (EU) to opt out of interest-based advertising.
• NAI Opt-Out: Visit the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page (US).

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are placed by third-party service providers who help us operate our website and deliver our services (e.g., payment processors, analytics platforms, CDN providers). These third parties process data under their own privacy policies and data processing terms. We select third-party providers carefully and require that they implement appropriate data-protection standards.

We are not responsible for the cookies set by third parties, and you should review their respective privacy notices to understand how they use data collected from our website.

5. Cookie Retention Periods

Cookie retention periods vary depending on their purpose:

• Session cookies: Expire when you close your browser.
• Consent preference cookie: 12 months — so we remember your choices on return visits.
• Analytics cookies (Google Analytics _ga): 2 years.
• Analytics cookies (_gid): 24 hours.
• Marketing and retargeting cookies: Typically 30–90 days, depending on the advertising platform.

6. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or our business practices. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Where changes are material, we will notify you via a banner on the website. Continued use of the website after such notification constitutes your acknowledgment of the updated policy.

7. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact:

Smarter Stream TV — Privacy Team
Email: privacy@smarterstream.tv
Website: https://smarterstream.tv